Out of hibernation

A TTAP huddle after a hiatus of weeks has raised a plethora of questions as to its proactivity. The six-party opposition alliance has been in limbo since its inception, and unable to choreograph a strategy either in terms of salvaging a cornered PTI or in coming up with a prompt rejoinder on national issues. This apathy has made the opposition no more than a lame-duck entity, struggling to find its due space in national politics. Moreover, the PTI, infected with divisions, has been wayward even in chalking out a policy to seek lawful release of its leader, Imran Khan, from jail.

The no-show of the party's bigwigs outside Adiala Jail where Khan remains incarcerated hints at many at the helm being compromised – something that has caused resentment among party's supporters and sympathisers. The only exception is Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi who has been able to mobilise street power to some extent, as nearly all other stalwarts are seen hiding in their comfort zones. This has badly damaged the party's erstwhile credentials of being a mass-mobiliser, as it now appears to rely merely on social media. The leaders of the opposition in Senate and National Assembly are mere figureheads, having failed to stir the momentum needed for an active opposition either on the floor of the parliament or on the streets.

The government's highhandedness, especially its policy of continued solitary confinement of Khan, has come as an added impetus to marginalise the opposition. Denial of lawful relief to Khan and other jailed leaders and witch-hunt campaigns have added to the political instability prevailing in the country. The manner in which Khan's eye ailment is being handled is in contravention of the jail manual and norms of democracy and decency. Thus, the opposition must synergise its potential around real issues by building pressure and subsequently force the government to enter into a dialogue. Enough of rhetoric and playing to the gallery.